Police chief receives nearly 14 percent pay increase years ago
Staff reporter
At the end of a two- and one-half-hour meeting Monday and an executive session, Marion City Council approved a $5,000 per year pay increase for Marion Police Chief Josh Whitwell.
Whitwell was hired July 2 and began his duties as police chief July 18 at an annual salary of $36,000.
Prior to the 30-minute executive session between the council, Whitwell, and city administrator David Mayfield, Whitwell gave a report to the council regarding his accomplishments as the department head.
In the past five months, Whitwell said his administration had a different approach from the previous one which was run like a large office. He said one of the major changes was moving his office from the city building back to the police department.
"I was able to take more of a role of being in charge," Whitwell said, "and being more involved."
He continued that he works evenings and weekends and not just during the days.
Whitwell said he has made three DUI arrests during the past five months, and is involved in the day-to-day activities of the department and has a more active role of working on cases.
"I have support from the employees," Whitwell said, with shifts being rotated to allow officers to have weekends off.
Children and youth are important to Whitwell and he wants to provide a more positive image to them.
He currently is working with Marion High School student council to develop a program for high school students.
Visibility in the community also is important for Whitwell. He and his officers have volunteered to assist with community projects and events.
Whitwell said there have been 22 cases presented for prosecution. In the prior time span there only had been six. He said he met with SRS and worked out prior conflicts. Also, he has developed a better relationship with Marion County Sheriff's Department.
His future goals include developing a program with local businesses.
"The job has been tougher than I thought it would be," Whitwell said, "but it's getting better."
When former police chief Michel Soyez resigned in April, his ending salary after six years in that position was $40,967.
The council also approved pay increases for Marion city employees who could receive up to a four percent pay increase following evaluations.
The budgeted expense will reward those employees for receiving glowing reviews. Employees with outstanding evaluations will receive the full four percent pay increase. Those with an above average review will receive 2.6 percent. A standard evaluation, where the employee meets expectations, will receive a 1.3 percent increase, and those employees who do not meet expectations will receive no increase in pay.
Evaluations will be completed next week.
